Hello fitness friends! I wanted to give you some more information about sugar. Did you know sugar helps you age? Those fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin can not only be attributed to sun damage, smoking, or lack of adequate sleep, but to high glucose levels.

A process called glycation occurs when we consume sugar. Here’s some more

Glycation (sometimes called non-enzymatic glycosylation) is the result of typically covalent bonding of a protein or lipid molecule with a sugar molecule, such as fructose or glucose, without the controlling action of an enzyme. All blood sugars are reducing molecules,~Wikipedia.

The proteins we need for smooth, plump, wrinkle free skin are collagen and elastin. When sugar bonds with proteins they become rigid, stiff, and sugar helps us age. Collagen production slows as we age. We have less ability to fight off the signs of aging. Glycation also makes the skin more prone to the damages of UV rays.

As New York–based dermatologist Cheryl Karcher, MD, puts it: “Number one, the glucose makes the cells abnormal; and number two, it creates free radicals. So you get a double whammy when it comes to aging.”

Here’s a great article with more information.

http://www.elle.com/_mobile/beauty/makeup-skin-care/sugar-aging-how-to-fight-glycation-614621

So what can you do?

Drink green tea and eat plenty of foods rich in antioxidants.

Eat those green leafy vegetables. Eat more vegetables instead of breads, sugar, and loads of dairy.

Cut out or cut back on foods that raise blood sugar levels. Switch to low glycemic foods.

Wear sunscreen! Don’t worship the sun.

Quit smoking if you smoke.

Exercise!!!

Here are some foods that help boost collagen production: http://www.3fatchicks.com/6-foods-that-enhance-collagen-production/

Sweet friends, you can fight the signs of aging with a healthy diet and exercise. You can do this. 🙂